Tax

Tax News & IRS Insights for Accounting Professionals

Accounting Today delivers news and analysis for accounting and tax professionals on federal and state tax developments, IRS guidance,information reporting, and operational implications for practices and clients. Our coverage focuses on legislative and procedural shifts that tax practitioners must monitor in planning, compliance, and advisory contexts.

Tax fraud

Tax fraud architect extradited to Germany to face charges

The lawyer dubbed “the brain behind Cum-Ex” has been pursued by authorities for his role in the controversial tax-driven trading strategy.

By Karin Matussek
Reporter

February 24
SALT deduction

SALT alternative takes shape as Democrats move past Biden plan

Two House Democrats have a new plan to provide a more generous state and local tax deduction.

By Laura Davison
Capitol Hill tax reporter

February 24
Donald Trump

Top Trump probe prosecutors quit from Manhattan D.A. office

The two prosecutors leading the criminal case against former President Trump’s real-estate company resigned unexpectedly.

By Erik Larson
Reporter

February 24
Practice management

Tax season: Time to make your clients happy

Using these seven steps during the busy season will enhance your client experience and boost your revenue.

By Judy Bodenhamer and Katie Tolin

February 24
IRS

IRS boosts interest rates for Q2

The rate for both overpayments and underpayments will be 4%.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

February 23
IRS

Lawmakers want to close ‘revolving door’ between big accounting firms and Treasury, IRS

Two legislators want to open an investigation into personnel moves between the five largest accounting firms and the upper echelons of the Treasury and IRS.

By Michael Cohn
Editor-in-chief, AccountingToday.com

February 23
Accounting

CFOs see other risks this year besides COVID-19

CFOs rank supply chain disruptions, the talent shortage and tax reform as higher risks than COVID-19, according to a recent survey from BDO USA.

By Michael Cohn
Editor-in-chief, AccountingToday.com

February 23

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

Web Seminar From tax question to tax strategy: Turning everyday client conversations into advisory opportunities

This webinar demonstrates how firms can uncover planning opportunities hidden within everyday client conversations and transform routine compliance discussions into higher-value advisory engagements.

Partner Insights from Intuit
Web Seminar From returns to revenue: A tax planning framework for every firm

Most tax professionals are already sitting on planning opportunities, they just don't have a system to find them, package them, or get paid for them. This session walks through a simple, repeatable framework for turning completed returns into planning conversations, billable engagements, and stronger client relationships. Attendees leave with concrete next steps they can apply right away.

Partner Insights from Holistiplan
Report Progress under pressure: The 2026 post-tax season report

Leading firms share the tools, process changes, and strategies behind a better tax season experience.

Partner Insights from Rightworks

Tax: Key Questions & Analysis:

What IRS guidance on forms and information reporting should practitioners prioritize?

The IRS continues to update thresholds and instructions for critical tax forms. This includes changes to information reporting requirements and guidance on evolving reporting standards, affecting 1099, W-2 and similar reporting obligations.

What procedural developments affect IRS automatic change consent for method changes?

Tax professionals must understand which accounting method changes qualify for automatic consent versus advance consent. This determines whether a Form 3115 must be filed with IRS National Office or via automatic procedures.

How are tip-related tax provisions evolving under current policy?

New tax provisions related to tip income will impact how service industry clients and payroll units handle tax reporting and compliance. This includes draft schedules and withholding considerations.

What IRS guidance will shape compliance for the 2026 filing season?

Practitioners will need to understand procedural updates, forms changes, and reporting shifts that will affect compliance workflows and client expectations for the 2026 filing season. This includes the implementation timeline for new schedules and reporting requirements as well as for emerging areas such as crypto broker reporting.